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Updated: Apr 12, 2026

A Multiplexed Luciferase-based Screening Platform for Interrogating Cancer-associated Signal Transduction in Cultured Cells
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A Multiplexed Luciferase-based Screening Platform for Interrogating Cancer-associated Signal Transduction in Cultured Cells

Published on: July 3, 2013

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[Detection of KRAS,NRAS and BRAF gene mutations in colorectal carcinoma]

Keping Zhang1, Jie Xu1, Lixu Yan1

  • 1Department of Pathology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510010, China.

Zhonghua Bing Li Xue Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Pathology
|May 16, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF gene mutations are common in colorectal cancer, with KRAS exon 2 mutations being most frequent. Comprehensive gene mutation analysis aids in identifying patients for targeted therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a significant global health concern.
  • Activating mutations in KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF genes are implicated in CRC pathogenesis and treatment response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the mutation frequencies of KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF genes in a cohort of colorectal cancer patients.
  • To identify specific mutation hotspots within these genes.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of tissue specimens from 200 newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients.
  • KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutation analyses using PCR-based direct DNA sequencing.
  • Targeted sequencing of specific exons (KRAS: 2-4, NRAS: 2-4, BRAF: 15).

Main Results:

  • KRAS mutations were found in 44% (88/200) of patients, NRAS in 2% (4/200), and BRAF in 5% (10/200).
  • KRAS mutations predominantly occurred in codon 12 (64.8%) and codon 13 (12.5%).
  • KRAS mutations in exon 3 involved codons 59 and 61, while exon 4 mutations involved codons 117 and 146.

Conclusions:

  • Mutations in exon 2 of the KRAS gene are the most prevalent in colorectal carcinoma.
  • Expanding mutation detection to include KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF genes can improve the identification of patients eligible for targeted therapies.

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